Israeli ex-foreign minister cleared in graft trial

Hard-line politician Avigdor Lieberman was acquitted of all charges Wednesday in a corruption case.

Hard-line politician Avigdor Lieberman was acquitted of all charges Wednesday in a corruption case.

Photo: Emil Salman, POOL

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Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, center, walks towards a courtroom at the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013. An Israeli court has found former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman not guilty of all charges in a graft trial. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool) less

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, center, walks towards a courtroom at the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013. An Israeli court has found former Foreign Minister Avigdor ... more

Photo: Ronen Zvulun, POOL

Image 3 of 5

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman waits in the courtroom before hearing the verdict in his trial on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, at the Magistrates Court in Jerusalem. The Israeli court on Wednesday found Lieberman innocent of all charges in the graft trial, clearing the way for the powerful hard-line politician to return to his post as the nation's top diplomat. (AP Photo/Emil Salman, Pool) less

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman waits in the courtroom before hearing the verdict in his trial on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, at the Magistrates Court in Jerusalem. The Israeli court on Wednesday ... more

Photo: Emil Salman, POOL

Image 4 of 5

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, left, enters the courtroom to hear the verdict in his graft trial at the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013. An Israeli court on Wednesday found Lieberman innocent of all charges, clearing the way for the powerful hard-line politician to return to his post as the nation's top diplomat. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool) less

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, left, enters the courtroom to hear the verdict in his graft trial at the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013. An Israeli court on Wednesday ... more

Photo: Ronen Zvulun, POOL

Image 5 of 5

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, center, walks towards a courtroom at the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013. An Israeli court has found former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman not guilty of all charges in a graft trial. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, Pool) less

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, center, walks towards a courtroom at the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013. An Israeli court has found former Foreign Minister Avigdor ... more

Photo: Ronen Zvulun, POOL

Israeli ex-foreign minister cleared in graft trial

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JERUSALEM - Hard-line politician Avigdor Lieberman looks set to emerge as a new and unpredictable player in U.S.-backed Mideast peace efforts after being cleared in a corruption trial on Wednesday, further complicating an already troubled negotiating climate with the Palestinians.

Expected to return to his job as foreign minister, Lieberman, one of Israel's most powerful and polarizing leaders, will likely use his significant political clout to argue against concessions to the Palestinians. But some say that Lieberman is a pragmatist with a hard edge who might yet surprise.

Lieberman scored a resounding victory with Wednesday's verdict, which acquitted him of all charges in a graft case. The decision cleared him to return to the Foreign Ministry, possibly as soon as next week, and suddenly revived his political career.

"This chapter is behind me. And I am focusing on the challenges ahead, and there are plenty of challenges," Lieberman said outside the courtroom after the verdict.

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Lieberman was forced to step down as foreign minister last December when he was indicted, though he was permitted to keep his seat in parliament.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear that he wants Lieberman to return to the post. Since a parliamentary election in January, Netanyahu has left the job vacant for his political ally while awaiting a verdict.

Following the ruling, Netanyahu called Lieberman to congratulate him and said he was looking forward to Lieberman's "return to the government table," according to a statement from the premier's office.

An Israeli official said Netanyahu would ask his Cabinet on Sunday to approve Lieberman's re-appointment as foreign minister. The parliament would then vote on it, possibly as soon as Monday, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because Netanyahu has not spoken publicly on the matter.

Lieberman, who immigrated to Israel from the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago, has gained popularity through a hard-line stance. He has questioned the loyalty of Israel's Arab minority and expressed doubt about the Palestinians' commitment to peace.